From Los Angeles by way of Boston, Lustra brings you a healthy dose of very radio friendly standard rock and roller fodder with the album What You Need & What You Get. Little doubt that they will become a much played band on the airwaves of today as with most of the interchangeable music we currently hear there. While I can't say there is a bad song on the disc, there is also nothing that really grabs you either.
They have gathered a legion of fans thanks to their song "Scotty Doesn't Know" being included in the movie Euro Trip, but it is still only a catch tune that will fill the moment until the next catchy song comes along. Or, until it gets borrowed by the likes of Miley Cyrus as the band also become noteworthy by accusing her of plagiarizing the tune with her own song "Rockstar".
The band is at its best when they don't try to go after the Green Day market and keep it more metal like on the songs "Say You're In" or "Barnburner". Even when they take a more mellow approach as with "Sink In Time" or the best song on the disc "Dinosaur" there is promise with its terrific melody and great harmonies. But at the other end of the spectrum though, they will hit you with a tune like "It's A Shame About Boston" which they say is their reaction to the super-formatted stuff on the radio. The problem is the message is wrapped up musically with just what they are preaching against.
This will make a terrific party disc. Great dance beats, a very good vocalist in Chris Baird and catchy sing-a-long choruses. The only thing is that there's nothing that will leave a lasting impression. I would definitely listen to the next offering they come up with as there is a lot of promise on this one.
Track listing:
1. Better Unknown
2. Dinosaur
3. It's A Shame About Boston
4. White Powder
5. It's Gone
6. Kids In Makeup
7. Greeting Card
8. Lady Boy
9. No One Like Me
10. Say You're In
11. Sink In Time
12. Barnburner
Bonus Track:
13. Scotty Doesn't Know
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